Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Andre Blake suffers hand fracture, out this weekend

UPDATE (October 30, 11:55 am ET) – Previewing their weekend match, Philadelphia head coach Jim Curtin said that goalkeeper Andre Blake suffered a fracture in his right hand midweek. He added that it might not be a season-ending injury, though he definitely won't play against Columbus Crew SC on Sunday (3:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info).

“With Andre, unfortunately, there was a fracture in the hand that will rule him out certainly for this match," Curtin said. "The hope is, if things go well, there is a possibility that it is not a season-ending injury."

ORIGINAL (October 29, 1:55 am ET) – Andre Blake has played a significant role in the Philadelphia Union’s rise atop the Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference tables, but the 2016 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year faced a scare in Wednesday night’s 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC.

The Jamaican shot-stopper was subbed out in the 90th minute for Joe Bendik, suffering an apparent right hand injury in the second half. He tried to play through the pain, but was eventually removed.

Head coach Jim Curtin didn’t want to speculate about Blake’s status, but expressed caution before Blake gets more tests.

“Early sounds from Andre – again, we'll wait until we can get pictures – I think his hand got tangled in the net,” Curtin said afterwards. “Obviously, when the goalkeeper has to come out of the game, it's not good, so I can just leave it at that. Not good in terms of the early prognosis but we'll see when we get some pictures and get some clarity.”

Highlights: Philadelphia Union 2, Chicago Fire FC 1

Blake has eight shutouts in 21 starts this year, putting him on pace for nearly 13 during a normal-length MLS season. He’s considered a frontrunner for this year’s Allstate Goalkeeper of the Year Award, especially after taking home the MLS is Back Tournament Golden Glove presented by Allstate this past summer.

Blake’s good for several game-changing saves on a routine basis, so any long-term absence could prove damaging for the Union. They’ll travel to face Columbus Crew SC on Sunday (3:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info), then close by facing the New England Revolution Nov. 8 on Decision Day presented by AT&T.

The 29-year-old has been Philadelphia’s starting goalkeeper since the 2016 season, with Bendik and homegrown Matt Freese their other first-team options if he’s not available.